This record represents Dylan's top at songwriting. Published in 1966, after the singer's motorbike accident, it was the result of tense and difficult recording sessions in which walls were pulled down and with the musicians in a constant state of nervousness. They were professional musicians from Nashville never used to the drugs Dylan introduced them to.
The album is pervaded with an eerie sense of madness we can find in its carnivalesque, crazy fair sound. This is clear in songs such as the fabulous starting, "Rainy Day Women #12 &35" (WHAT A TITLE!); "One of Us Must Know"; the lovely "I Want You" (my favourite); "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again"; "Most Likely You Go your Way and I'll Go Mine"; or "Absolutely Sweet Marie".
Lyrically it represents a superb poetic effort. We can definitely state that Dylan has sharpened his pen in precise depictions (though a bit altered by his drug fondness) of personal love & loveless relationships. These incredible images we can find in "Visions of Johanna" or the huge "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" dedicated to his wife Sara Lowndes. If we spice this with some moments of intense delicacy ("Just Like a Woman", "Fourth time Around") and the more "traditional" blues type in "Obviously Five Believers", "Temporary Like Achilles", "Pledging my Time" or "Leopard-Skin Pil- Box Hat", we have the recipe complete.
This is one of the towers of the 20th century. I'd say the highest one. A supreme masterpiece that will never grow old, and my favourite record ever.
5/5
